Celebrities should be discreet for public good

AN ONLINE VIDEO CLIP in which Bi Fujian, a popular host with China Central Television, used vulgar terms against late Chairman Mao Zedong while singing Peking Opera at a dinner, has become a hit on the Internet after being released on Monday. In the aftermath, Bi's TV programs will reportedly stop being broadcast until at least Sunday, and his employer CCTV has promised to investigate the incident. Comments:

Admittedly, a citizen does enjoy freedom of speech, yet others also have the right to criticize his or her remarks. Famous host or not, Bi is entitled to free speech, even if it is false, and shall not be held legally accountable as long as his words do not violate any laws. However, this does not mean that he can walk away with impunity, as he still has to deal with public doubts about his improper words.

Zhi Zhenfeng, a guest commentator with Legal Daily, April 8